Lincoln-Douglas Debate

Lincoln-Douglas debate on the intercollegiate level is one-on-one policy debate. Typically, the membership proposes several different topic areas which are used for an entire season. The membership votes on those areas, selecting one. The LD committee then proposes several resolutions.

Time limits for LD debate are:

• 1st Aff. constructive – 6 minutes
• Cross Examination – 3 minutes
• 1st Neg. constructive – 7 minutes
• Cross Examination – 3 minutes
• 1st Aff. rebuttal – 6 minutes
• Neg. rebuttal – 6 minutes
• 2nd Aff. rebuttal – 3 minutes
• Prep time: 4 minutes

Helpful links:

• Martin Harris from Drury University has created a wiki for NFA-LD cases, and it can be found at: http://nfacaselist.wikispaces.com
• Danny Cantrell has created a NFA-LD blog, coaching helps, and resolution-related resources at: http://www.socal-ld.net
• LD Rules are also available on the website.

2011-2012 Resolution:

Resolved: the United States Federal Government should substantially change its trade policy and/or practices with the People’s Republic of China.

Call for Topics: 2012-2013 Resolution

• By February 1, Topic areas are to be submitted to the chair of the LD Committee, President Larry Schnoor, via email. If more than 10 briefs are submitted, the LD committee will narrow the field using a weighted preferential voting system. Each 1st place ballot receives 10 points, down to 10th place, which receives 1 point. Any ties for 10th place will be broken by the LD committee chair.
• By February 6, the committee will distribute the briefs to the LD community and the membership of the NFA, for discussion and consideration. This mailing will include a ballot of which schools should rank all of their choices and return to the NFA President to be received by February 21. Again, the topic area will be selected by using a weighted preferential voting system.
• The selected topic area will be announced on March 1.
• The LD committee will formulate resolutions based on the selected topic area. The community is encouraged to submit their ideas and recommendations to the Lincoln-Douglas committee in care of David Trumble.
• By April 10, a ballot will be sent out with 5 resolutions for consideration. In order for a ballot to be counted, all 5 resolutions must be rank ordered. The ballots must be returned to the NFA President (either by email or at the national tournament) by April 30. A weighted preferential voting system will be used to determine the final resolution. 1st place receives 5 points, 2nd place receives 4 points, down to 5th place, which receives 1 point. Ties will be broken by the President of the NFA, who may at his/her discretion, consult with the LD debate committee.
• July 1: Resolution announced. The winning resolution will be known only to the President of the NFA until it is announced.

Topic Area Briefs for 2012-2013

• agriculture
• cyberspace
• Middle East
• nuclear waste
• water

Procedures for Submitting Topic Area Briefs:

In order to be accepted for consideration, the topic area must be in the form of a 1-2 page brief which includes:

1. A statement of the significance of the topic area in current events;
2. A statement of why the topic is interesting, challenging, and/or provocative;
3. A statement of the perceived educational value of the topic area for debaters;
4. A brief bibliography of selected readings (5-10) that capture the nature of the controversy surrounding the area; and
5. Contact information should the committee need further clarification.

Remember, in order for a brief to be accepted, it must meet all of the above qualifications.

All briefs that are submitted will be confirmed by the Chair of the LD Committee.  If you submit a brief and do not receive a confirmation, please contact Larry Schnoor.

Also remember, your students that are engaged in Lincoln Douglas Debate wish to be considered in this process of topic and resolution selection.  Please take time to include them in your consideration of topic areas and resolution selections.

Historical Links:

• Past resolutions
• Past topic papers and history